Secure an 80% subsidy on electric transporters and reduce TCO by 25%
Up to 425 km range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the costs of a new vehicle. With rising diesel prices and the final subsidy deadline approaching, now is the crucial time to make your fleet economical and future-proof. Act before the current grants expire.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current funding round for eTransporters (80% for vehicles/modifications, 40% for charging infrastructure) ends on 31 August 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an electric van is on average 25% lower than that of a comparable diesel model.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion preserves capital and resources by retaining expensive special-purpose builds (circular economy).
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is no longer an option, but an economic necessity. Amidst rising operating costs, complex regulations like the Clean Vehicles Directive, and increasing pressure for CO₂ reduction, fleet managers face significant challenges. At the same time, switching to an electric drive vehicle offers a clear opportunity: massive cost reductions through an optimised Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a strengthening of your competitiveness. This guide pragmatically shows you how to strategically plan the transition, secure the maximum funding of 80% for vehicles and conversions, and prepare your fleet for the future – all before the deadline of 31 August 2025.
Quick Facts: The Immediate Benefits of the Electric Transporter
Switching to an electric transporter is more than a contribution to climate protection; it is a direct investment in the efficiency of your company. The time for this strategic decision is now, as the current funding period ends on 31 August 2025. The transition not only ensures financial benefits but also positions your company as future-proof in the competition.
Secure 80% funding: The KsNI directive from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports the purchase or Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) with up to 80% of the additional investment costs.
40% for charging infrastructure: In addition, the development of the necessary charging infrastructure on your company premises is subsidised with up to 40% of the costs.
Reduce operating costs by 25%: Studies show that the total cost of ownership of an E-transporter is on average 25% lower than that of a comparable diesel vehicle.
Act in compliance with the law: The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive requires public contracting authorities to procure low-emission vehicles, making the use of electric transporters essential for many service providers.
This situation creates a unique opportunity to set the course for a sustainable and economical future before the funding landscape changes.
Your 4-point action plan for timely fleet electrification
The deadline on 31 August 2025 requires a pragmatic and structured approach. Bureaucracy, high diesel prices, and climate requirements are real hurdles that can be overcome with a clear plan. Lead your fleet into electromobility successfully with these four steps.
Conduct needs analysis: Record the daily mileage and requirements of your current fleet. Our experts will support you in defining the appropriate vehicle profile, such as the Heero eTransporter with a range of up to 500 km or an efficient conversion solution for your existing vehicles.
Check funding opportunities: Applying for funding is the most critical step. We help you meet the requirements of the KsNI guideline and submit your application on time by 31 August 2025 to secure the maximum funding of 80%. You can find a detailed checklist for eTransporter funding here.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Compare not only the purchase costs but also the total operating costs over the lifetime. The TCO, total operating costs, takes into account lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs and shows the real savings potential of up to 25% per kilometre.
Plan charging infrastructure: A Heero eTransporter charges with up to 135 kW direct current (DC) in a short time. We analyse your needs and plan a scalable charging infrastructure for which you can also receive 40% funding.
With this structured approach, you turn challenges into clear competitive advantages and secure all available subsidies.
Funding Opportunities and Deadlines: The Financial Foundation of Your Transformation
The financial support from the federal government and the EU is the crucial lever for an economical fleet conversion. The central instrument in Germany is the funding guideline on “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI), managed by the BMDV. It caps the additional costs compared to a diesel equivalent, making the investment immediately profitable. The application deadline for these attractive conditions ends on 31 August 2025.
The KsNI Funding in Detail
The directive subsidises two core areas of your conversion. Firstly, the vehicles themselves: 80% of the additional investment costs for a new electric transporter or a DTE conversion are covered here. Secondly, the infrastructure: The establishment of non-public charging points at your premises will be subsidised by 40%. This combination significantly lowers the entry barrier and accelerates the return on investment. For an overview of how to apply for funding for electric buses, you can find more information here.
Legal Framework Through the Clean Vehicles Directive
In parallel with the funding, the EU is creating facts with the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). It was implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG) and prescribes binding quotas for public clients. By the end of 2025, 38.5% of the procured light commercial vehicles must be low-emission. This affects municipalities, as well as their logistics or trade service providers. An electric transporter is thus not only an economic but also a strategic necessity to secure public contracts. Time is of the essence to optimally utilise these financial and regulatory advantages.
Cost Comparison: Why the TCO Favors the Electric Transporter
The higher initial costs of an electric transporter are often cited as a counterargument. However, a mere consideration of the purchase price is too short-sighted. Decisive for a sound business decision is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This is exactly where the electric transporter shows its strength and often surpasses the diesel model in a short time.
Lower operating and maintenance costs
The cost advantages consist of several factors. The energy costs per kilometre are significantly lower than those of a diesel vehicle. In addition, many maintenance-intensive components of the combustion engine, such as oil changes, exhaust system or clutch, are no longer required, reducing service costs by up to 50%. Added to this are tax benefits such as the ten-year exemption from vehicle tax in Germany. A study by Transport & Environment estimates the average TCO savings of an e-transporter at 25% compared to a diesel. Learn more about the Total Cost of Ownership in detail.
Diesel-to-Electric (DTE): The most economical way
The calculation becomes particularly attractive when retrofitting existing vehicles. A Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion preserves the value of your existing investments in expensive special equipment. Instead of buying a completely new vehicle, only the drivetrain is replaced. This not only protects the budget but is also a prime example of the circular economy – conversion instead of new purchase. A Heero DTE Sprinter converted in this way achieves up to 425 km range and combines proven vehicle quality with pioneering drive technology. Thus, the modernisation of your fleet does not become a burden, but a driver for greater efficiency.
Technology and Range: Focus on Practicality
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Modern electric transporters are designed for demanding workdays and far exceed the daily driving profiles of most fleets. The Heero vehicle range is based on proven technology and offers field-tested performance for every application. The battery is the heart of any electric vehicle and is crucial for performance and range.
Heero eTransporter: Up to 500 km range.
Heero eFlatbed (EK & DoKa): Up to 400 km range.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion.
Heero Tourer (Electric MiniBus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range.
All models (except the mid-floor bus) use a powerful battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. Thanks to a DC fast-charging capability of up to 135 kW, the battery can be recharged to 80% in about 35 minutes. Therefore, unforeseen longer journeys are not a problem. The technology is designed to efficiently use idle times for recharging. The lifespan of modern lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) often exceeds that of the vehicle itself, and they can subsequently be used as stationary energy storage. This technological maturity makes the switch to an electric transporter a safe and manageable decision.
Sustainability as an Economic Factor: Circular Economy Instead of New Purchases
Sustainability is long past being just an image factor; it is a serious competitive advantage. Choosing an electric transporter, particularly through a Diesel-to-Electric conversion, is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a valuable special body, its lifecycle is intelligently extended. This approach not only conserves significant amounts of resources and energy that would be required for the production of a new vehicle, but also your capital.
The CO₂ savings do not start during operation but already when deciding against a new purchase. A conversion saves around 40% of the lifecycle emissions compared to producing a new electric vehicle. You actively reduce the ecological footprint of your fleet and at the same time meet the increasing sustainability requirements of customers and public clients. Investing in an electric box van through conversion is therefore the most consistent way to combine economy and ecology. This foresight pays off not only in the CO₂ balance but also in the long-term corporate strategy.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Mobility (KsNI) funding program.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) offers a fact sheet on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of battery-electric vehicles in Europe, with a focus on Germany.
You can find comprehensive statistics and current data on electromobility on Statista.
The National Charging Infrastructure Control Center provides information on initiatives and developments in the field of charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
The KfW offers a funding program for the establishment of charging infrastructure for businesses.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for my Electric Transporter be submitted?
The crucial deadline for submitting applications under the current KsNI funding guidelines is 31 August 2025. It is advisable to start the process early to be able to submit all documents in a timely and complete manner.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive and does it affect my business?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU mandate that requires public authorities to procure clean vehicles. If you are a service provider (e.g., in logistics, construction, or waste management) working for municipalities or other public clients, you must increasingly deploy zero-emission vehicles such as Electric Transporters to be considered in tenders.
How long does it take to charge a Heero Electric Transporter?
With a DC fast-charging capacity of up to 135 kW, the 96 kWh (net) large battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. This enables high flexibility and readiness for use even on long working days.
What is the advantage of a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion compared to a new purchase?
The main advantage is value retention. If you own a transporter with an expensive or complex special structure (e.g., refrigerated box, workshop equipment, lift), you can continue to use this structure. You only replace the drivetrain. This is significantly cheaper than acquiring a new vehicle and structure, more sustainable, and also highly subsidized.
Which battery technology is used in the Heero vehicles?
Heero relies on modern and durable lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4). This technology is known for its safety and high cycle stability and does not use critical raw materials such as cobalt. The battery is designed for long-term, intensive use in commercial applications.
Do I also get funding for used converted Transporters?
The funding refers to the conversion of a vehicle in your inventory. The conversion process itself is the eligible item. The KsNI guidelines explicitly support the conversion of diesel vehicles to alternative drives to strengthen the principles of the circular economy.
